St Benet’s Hall

St Benet’s is the nearest equivalent today to the groups of students who gathered round Masters in the 13th century and combined to form the University of Oxford. Founded in 1897 by Ampleforth Abbey, St Benet’s became a Permanent Private Hall of the University in 1918. Today it admits male undergraduates and graduates, of all faiths and none, alongside a community of monks, forming a total student body of about 55. Usually, 16 undergraduates a year are admitted to read for a small range of closely interconnected subjects in the humanities and social sciences. More homely than most colleges, St Benet’s provides both a strong sense of community within the hall and full engagement in University activities outside the hall, resulting in a mix of calmness and energy that is almost tangible.

The monastic office and Mass are celebrated daily in the chapel. All members are welcome, but no one is obliged to attend. Students are asked to be respectful of the monastic life, but the atmosphere is unpressurised, warm and friendly.

At 38 St Giles’, close to the very centre of Oxford, in a handsome six-storey Georgian Grade II listed building.

First-year undergraduates live in; second-year undergraduates normally live out; third-year undergraduates are offered accommodation as available. All bedrooms have internet points and telephones; about half are ensuite. For meals, tutors, students and monks all eat together at one common table, everyone taking a turn at serving.

Hospitality is important in the Benedictine tradition. Both male and female guests are welcome, and students of Blackfriars regularly eat with us. The hall hosts three formal meals per week: Sunday lunch, for which an invitation is much prized by students outside the hall, and dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Once a term there is an official Guest Night, the equivalent of the High Table guest nights of larger colleges, at which students mingle freely with often eminent guests.

The small library aims to provide a focused and up-to-date collection for undergraduate needs. It is open 24 hours a day and is a popular place to work. There is also a separate IT centre, and wireless internet access throughout the building. Students share the main Common Room of the hall with the monks and tutors, and also have a separate JCR with kitchenette and widescreen TV. There is a pleasant, enclosed garden and a much-used croquet lawn.

Students take a full part in the life of the University according to their interests. The hall has its own VIII on the river, racquet club and discussion group, but otherwise students play for a wide range of college and University teams, and participate in many University societies. We usually have at least one Blue. Currently we have a swimming Blue, Captain of the University Boxing Team, members of several orchestras and choirs, and participants in charity and community organisations as well as the Union.